Sunday markets at Westside Acton Park

Natassja Hoogstad Hay

Whether it’s food, fashion, second-hand or handmade, Canberrans love a good market. The newest addition to the market scene will see Westside Acton Park transform into an eclectic outdoor market every Sunday.

Each week a mix of handmade, vintage and designer stalls will set up alongside live entertainment and permanent food vendors in the lakeside precinct.

“There’s always going to be a mix of designers, vintage stalls, and we’re even hoping to have farmers markets here,” says Market coordinator Muzi Wen, who you may recognise as founder of designer homewares store Lazy Sunday Home.

“It’s going to be different each week, so we hope that gives people a reason to keep coming back,” she says. Muzi is working directly with Westside and friend Jaz Ackar on the weekly markets.

A modest start of 10 stalls (put together in just a few days!) brought dozens of market-goers out into the winter sunshine to shop and eat at Westside over the June long weekend.

“This is a great starting point, and by spring we hope to build up to around 50 stalls each week. As well as the markets, Westside is a destination for food and entertainment, and just a fun day out for the family,” says Muzi.

Canberra winter might not seem like an ideal time to be starting an outdoor market, but Muzi doesn’t seem too concerned, and assures that discounted rates for stalls means that there’ll be good variety each week. A coffee from Damn Fine Roasters or noodles from Miss Van’s might help keep you warm if you’re reeling the chill.

“The markets are an important way to bring people to the area while more permanent businesses are setting up in the shipping containers and completing their fit-outs,” says Muzi. “I hope people will start to make more use of the sports facilities, which are open every day,” she adds.

For the record, the food vendors are also open Wednesday – Sunday each week.

In spring, the venue will host night markets in conjunction with the Floriade Night Markets with more special events are in the works.

As someone who’s set up shop in many markets around Canberra, Muzi is says she’s glad to be involved in this community and in creating another outlet for fellow market stallholders.

“Working in the markets you get to know this whole community of people. Everyone’s so supportive and encouraging, it’s a nice community to be part of,” she says.

Natassja Hoogstad Hay is a communications professional working in Canberra. An unashamed foodie, she loves cooking and going out to eat, and has a special love of coffee and wine. She’s obsessed with social media (handy in her field!) and is working on perfecting her Instagram game. In her spare time you might find her at a yoga class, cosied up on the couch with a book or the TV, or outside taking photos of beautiful Canberra sunsets.